Borussia Dortmund fans have reason to be excited — new signing Fabio Silva is finally set to feature in the matchday squad for the first time since his summer arrival. The 22-year-old Portuguese forward, who joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers for €22 million, has recovered ahead of schedule from a serious adductor injury that had initially cast doubt over his immediate future at Signal Iduna Park.
Silva’s journey to Dortmund has been anything but straightforward. While on loan at Spanish side UD Las Palmas, he suffered an injury that required surgery, leaving BVB shocked when they discovered the full extent of his condition during his medical. For many clubs, such a revelation might have been a deal-breaker. But for Dortmund, long-term vision triumphed over short-term concerns.
“It’s not a big deal at first,” said Lars Ricken, emphasizing the club’s commitment to patience. “We saw that with Serhou Guirassy. He also arrived with an injury. We’re not thinking in terms of days and weeks, but in years.”
That faith appears to be paying off earlier than expected. After weeks of individual rehab, Silva has been increasing his workload and trained with the first team for the very first time on Wednesday. Now, if he passes Dortmund’s final training sessions unscathed, he will travel with the squad to Mainz on Friday ahead of Saturday’s Bundesliga clash.
The anticipation around Silva is palpable. Known for his sharp instincts, clever movement, and eye for goal, he arrives at a time when Dortmund are looking to add extra firepower to their frontline. His story also resonates with supporters: a young striker overcoming adversity, ready to prove himself on one of the biggest stages in world football.
For BVB, Silva’s inclusion is more than just a squad boost — it’s a statement of intent. Dortmund’s recruitment strategy has always been about identifying talent, investing early, and showing trust. In Silva, they believe they have a player who can grow into a central figure in the coming years.
As the Schwarzgelben head into a decisive stretch of their Bundesliga campaign, all eyes will be on whether the Portuguese striker makes his long-awaited bow this weekend. One thing is certain: the Signal Iduna Park faithful will be ready to roar when Fabio Silva finally steps onto the pitch in black and yellow.